The 2022 flagship lineup gets its final major Android upgrade, bringing refined performance, smarter Galaxy AI features, and enhanced security options.
Samsung has officially begun rolling out One UI 8, based on Android 16, for the Galaxy S22 series, which includes the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra — and as of today, the update is now available in the Philippines. This marks an important milestone for Samsung’s 2022 flagship devices, as it serves as the final major Android upgrade under the company’s four-year software support policy. The update rollout started earlier in Europe and is now reaching Asian markets, including the Philippines, where users are beginning to receive the notification through Settings → Software update → Download and install. The firmware version is labeled GYI7 and comes with the September 2025 security patch, with a total file size of approximately 3.1 GB, though it may vary slightly depending on the device model and region.
The One UI 8 update focuses on refinements and intelligent system improvements rather than a complete visual overhaul. Among its key highlights are new Galaxy AI features, including Call Captions, which provides real-time transcription during calls, and multimodal intelligence, enabling the phone to understand and combine visual, audio, and text inputs for more personalized assistance. Users will also notice smoother animations, refreshed icons, and reorganized layouts across system apps like Gallery, My Files, Calendar, and Reminders. Samsung has strengthened its security framework with Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) and introduced new battery protection modes—Basic, Maximum, and Adaptive—to help preserve battery lifespan over time.
Performance-wise, One UI 8 delivers noticeable improvements in responsiveness, stability, and energy efficiency. Reports from users in early rollout markets confirm a smoother interface, faster multitasking, and minor battery life gains. Although most of Samsung’s AI features are included, a few advanced tools available on newer Galaxy models, such as generative text and “Now Brief,” may not be supported on the S22 due to hardware constraints. Additionally, Samsung has postponed or excluded certain Android 16 native features like Notification Cooldown to maintain performance consistency across devices.
For Filipino users installing the update, Samsung advises backing up important files, ensuring the device has at least 50% battery power, connecting to a stable Wi-Fi network, and freeing up several gigabytes of storage before installation. After updating, users should also review app permissions and settings to make sure everything functions smoothly with the new OS.
While this release concludes the Galaxy S22’s major Android version upgrades, Samsung will continue providing regular security patches and maintenance updates. Rumors also suggest that a minor version, One UI 8.5, may follow later in 2025 with additional Android 16 features, though its availability for the S22 series has not yet been confirmed.
Overall, One UI 8 brings a more refined, secure, and intelligent experience to Galaxy S22 users in the Philippines. With the update now live, users can look forward to an improved interface, smarter AI integration, and optimized performance that keeps the 2022 flagship feeling modern and capable well into the future.
